Why do babies spit up?
It's normal for a baby to spit up, especially in the first few months. About half of all babies do it. A newborn's stomach is small and sensitive, and still growing. Sometimes, milk or infant formula comes back up after feeding. This happens because the muscle that keeps liquid in the stomach is still developing. The food backs up from the baby's stomach through the same tube that carries food to the stomach, called the esophagus. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux, infant reflux, or infant acid reflux.
"Most of the time, spitting up is completely normal and not a cause for concern," says Mitchell T. Walton, MD, Pediatrics at ARC Four Points. "As long as your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and seems comfortable, occasional spit-up is just a part of healthy development in infants."
What is the difference between spit-up and vomit?
Spit-up is usually smooth and gentle. It may look like milk, breast milk, or infant formula that comes out of your baby's mouth after feeding or burping. Spit-up can be clear, yellow, or white. It often contains saliva, mucus, or even phlegm. Vomiting, on the other hand, is more forceful. It may shoot out of your baby's mouth and happen more often. If your baby is throwing up a lot or showing signs of weight loss, it's time to call a pediatrician or an advanced practice clinician (APC).
Tips to help ease your baby's spit-up
There are ways to reduce spit-up. Try feeding your infant in a more upright position and keep them upright for 20–30 minutes after drinking. Burp your baby during and after feedings. Feed your baby smaller amounts of food more often to avoid overfilling the stomach. Check that the bottle nipple isn't too fast or slow. Some babies may have reflux or acid reflux, especially if they are spitting up a lot. If you're concerned about formula intolerance, ask your doctor if you should try a different infant formula.
When to take your baby to the doctor for spit-up
Spitting up is usually normal, but sometimes it can be a sign of something more serious. Call your pediatrician or APC if your baby:
- Is not gaining weight or losing weight
- Seems to be in pain during or after feeding
- Has green or bloody spit-up
- Is choking, coughing, or turning blue during or after feeding
- Spits up forcefully (projectile vomiting)
- Has fewer wet diapers (less fluid intake)
- Shows signs of pyloric stenosis–a rare condition where the stomach muscle is too tight, causing strong vomiting and weight loss.
Also, spitting up may increase when your baby is teething or has a runny nose with extra mucus. "If you're ever unsure, reach out to your pediatrician," says Dr. Walton. "It's always okay to ask questions when it comes to your baby's health."
Have questions about your infant? Check out our ARC Newborn Booklet.
Make an appointment today
Dr. Walton is accepting new patients, newborn to 18 years old, at ARC Four Points. Schedule an appointment online with Dr. Walton or through ARC MyChart.
Pediatric care for Four Points and surrounding communities
ARC Four Points in Austin, located at 11714 Wilson Parke Avenue, offers a convenient location for patients seeking pediatric care in the Four Points area, as well as those in nearby areas such as Cedar Park, Volente, and Northwest Austin. ARC Pediatrics doctors and APCs focus on a full range of services for patients from birth through 18 years. We offer appointments to fit your schedule and lifestyle, including regular clinic visits, telemedicine visits, same-day visits, After Hours Clinic appointments, and 24/7 phone nurses.